National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) NASA The era of space exploration began in 1957, when the Soviet Union launched the first satellite, Sputnik, into Earth orbit October 4, 1957. The Soviet also were the first to launch a manned spacecraft when Yuri Gagarni, made one orbit around the Earth in 1961. Americans were electrified by the news. A year later the Soviets issued an ultimatum that the Western Allies evacuate Berlin. Next came a proposal that Berlin become …
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…pilot in World War II and Korea, Glenn flew 149 missions, withstanding 11 hits by enemy fire. Following the Korean War, he served as a test pilot for several years, working with Navy and Marine Corps jet fighters and attack aircraft. In 1957, Glenn set a transcontinental speed record from Los Angeles to New York. He still flies his own plane, and he set a record for speed on a flight from Dayton Ohio to Washington D.C.